Zinedine Zidane Responds to Gerard Pique's Comments on Real Madrid

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has shrugged off Barcelona defender Gerard Pique's comments on the "values" of Real Madrid.

The Spanish international told reporters of his frustration at state attorney Marta Silva Lapuerta being at the forefront of court cases against Lionel Messi and Neymar while also being a Santiago Bernabeu regular, per AS' Joaquin Maroto.

Pique also made reference to Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo not being taken to court after facing similar accusations to his Barcelona team-mates.

Speaking to the press ahead of Sunday's La Liga meeting with Alaves, Zidane said his focus remains entirely with his own team and the concerns of rival team players are not his priority, per the club's official website:

"

Everyone's entitled to their opinion and all I'll say is that this is a serious, great club. Nothing else.

I'm not bothered about what he says, to be honest. It's just for the sake of saying something. All I'm concerned about is what we're doing on the pitch. We know what our image means and nobody can argue with that. He can say whatever he likes, he won't change the image of this club. I'm not going to get involved with this.

"

Barcelona travel to Granada on Sunday, but manager Luis Enrique has already confirmed Pique will not play any part in the clash:

Although the tactician has said Pique's omission is down to a fear of overplaying his star, some may understandably feel the centre-back's high profile in the Spanish media may be a factor in the decision.

Barcelona official Jordi Cardoner has since come out in support of the player, and he told Spanish newspaper AS (h/t Goal):

"

From what I have been able to read and from what I have heard, Pique has not lied and Barcelona are always on the side of the truth. Pique has expressed his opinion freely and we are in favour of freedom of expression. It may offend, but he has stated it very clearly.

Our relationship with Madrid is courteous as always. Pique has not lied. And the club will always be next to the truth, that is, next to Pique.

"

It's no surprise Zidane has sidestepped the issue when his side have other distractions at hand, namely extending their lead at La Liga's summit before taking on Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

However, the same can't be said for Barcelona counterpart Luis Enrique, who despite not saying much on the matter of Pique's views, has at least shed some light on his stance, per UEFA's Richard Martin:

The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid has long existed outside the football sphere, and Pique's accusation of Real wrongdoing again reaches far beyond any simple matter of sport.

Zidane appears to have opted for the high road rather than engage in any to-and-fro with a rival, although that isn't likely to prevent Pique speaking out in future.